Minturn ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Minturn, Arkansas.
1. Beatles Park
MUSIC LEGENDS TRIBUTE
Beatles Park is a popular attraction in Minturn that celebrates the iconic British rock band. Visitors can enjoy the park's unique musical-themed features and photo opportunities. The park has received positive reviews with a 4.1 rating from 49 visitors.
2. Lawrence County Library
LITERARY COMMUNITY HUB
Lawrence County Library serves as a cultural and educational center for the Minturn community. The library offers a variety of resources including books, digital media, and community programs for all ages. With a stellar 4.5 rating, it's highly regarded by local visitors and travelers alike.
3. Mark Martin Museum
NASCAR LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Mark Martin Museum honors the Batesville native who is recognized as one of 'The 50 Greatest NASCAR Drivers of All Time.' The museum showcases several of Martin's past race cars and an extensive collection of racing mementos. Visitors can view approximately 100 trophies along with several of Martin's racing helmets and fire suits.
4. Mount Magazine State Park
ARKANSAS'S HIGHEST POINT
Mount Magazine State Park sits atop the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet, offering breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake. The park features a luxury 60-room lodge with indoor swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, conference center, and thirteen full-service cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hang gliding, rappelling, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and hiking throughout the park's expansive grounds.
5. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
BIG CAT SANCTUARY
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge spans more than 450 acres and houses over 130 exotic cats, making it one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in North America. Lions, cougars, tigers, leopards, bears and other wildlife are displayed in large natural habitats surrounding the main compound enclosures and gift shop. The refuge offers self-guided tours with story plaques for each animal, plus on-site accommodation options including the Safari Lodge, RV Park & Campground.
6. Van Buren Downtown Historic District
VICTORIAN SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Van Buren Downtown Historic District is composed of six blocks along a beautifully restored Victorian Main Street. Visitors can explore art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and various attractions throughout this charming district. Shoppers will delight in finding hard-to-find collectibles, one-of-a-kind gifts, original art, local Ozark crafts, home decoratives, and extraordinary antiques.
7. Magic Springs/Crystal Falls
THRILLING THEME PARK
Magic Springs/Crystal Falls combines a theme park and water park with more than 80 attractions and amusement rides. The park features five exciting roller coasters among its many thrilling offerings. Visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment with options for both dry rides and water-based fun.
8. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates the forced integration of Central High School and the pivotal role it played in the civil rights movement. In 1957, nine Black students known as the 'Little Rock Nine' braved angry mobs to attend the previously all-white school. Today, the site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the desegregation crisis and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
9. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection of American masterworks spanning five centuries. The museum's stunning architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape and features spring-fed ponds. Visitors can enjoy the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, 120 acres of forest trails, and outdoor sculpture gardens all free of charge.
10. Buffalo National River
PRISTINE WATERWAY ADVENTURE
Buffalo National River was America's first national river, protected in 1972 to preserve its free-flowing waters. The 135-mile river features crystal-clear water, towering limestone bluffs, and unspoiled Ozark Mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing along this natural treasure.
11. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public where visitors can keep what they find. The 37-acre plowed field is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater containing diamonds and other gemstones. Park facilities include diamond mining tools for rent, a water park, visitor center, and campground.
12. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park features eight grand bathhouses built in the early 1900s along Central Avenue. Two of the historic bathhouses still offer traditional spa services using the natural thermal waters, while others have been repurposed as a brewery, visitor center, and art galleries. The promenade behind the bathhouses allows visitors to see the steaming hot springs and collect thermal water from public fountains.
13. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden located on a peninsula extending into Lake Hamilton. The gardens showcase spectacular seasonal displays, including 160,000 tulips in spring and millions of holiday lights in winter. Highlights include the stunning Anthony Chapel, a children's adventure garden, and numerous themed gardens featuring native and exotic plants.
14. McClard's Bar-B-Q
LEGENDARY ARKANSAS BARBECUE
McClard's Bar-B-Q has been serving authentic Arkansas barbecue since 1928, becoming a Hot Springs institution. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its ribs, pulled pork, and unique tamale spread topped with Fritos, beans, cheese, and onions. McClard's has hosted numerous celebrities over the years, including former President Bill Clinton who grew up in Hot Springs.
15. Old State House Museum
HISTORIC POLITICAL CENTER
The Old State House Museum is housed in the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. This Greek Revival structure served as Arkansas's capitol from 1836 until 1911 and was the site of many significant events in state history. Today, the museum features exhibits on Arkansas history, politics, and culture, including a collection of First Ladies' gowns and gubernatorial artifacts.